The right path to teaching

Burnie Advocate, Page: 12

By Claire Turfrey

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

FOR many aspiring teachers on the North-West Coast achieving their dream was impossible until now.

The first group of 36 students to complete their full Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Tasmania Cradle Coast Campus showcased their skills at the Many Paths conference yesterday.

And for four fourth-year students it gave them the chance to reflect on how far they have come.

Sheree Hodgetts, of Stowport, and Karyn Kingshott, Nicholle Thomas and Fiona Jago, all of Devonport, are mothers who have worked in retail, hospitality, hairdressing and administration respectively before deciding to try their hands at teaching.

"Prior to this year students had to go to Launceston to complete their Bachelor of Education so it’s been very exciting going on this journey with my kindergarten’ group and they are looking forward to the opportunity to graduate together," campus coordinator Pat Grey said.

"I wouldn’t have been able to do this degree at all if I’d had to go to Launceston," Ms Hodgetts said.

"I couldn’t afford the travel and the time away from my family.

"Cradle Coast respects and values that I didn’t have to put my family aside for the last four years and feel selfish," Ms Thomas added.

Ms Kingshott said the atmosphere at the Cradle Coast Campus was like "a big family" with lots of support.

"We know everyone’s names here, even their children’s and partners’ names you’re not just a number," Ms Jago said.

Ms Grey, affectionately referred to as "Mum", said when the students started they were unsure whether they would be able to complete the entire degree at the campus.

During the Many Paths conference, the students presented papers on research topics of their choosing, such as literacy, exam anxiety, classroom pets, gender differences and teachers’ roles in stemming Australia’s obesity epidemic.